Celebrities With Lyme Disease: Famous Faces Fighting the Invisible Illness

When we think of celebrities, we often picture glamorous red carpets, private jets, and picture-perfect lifestyles. But even the rich and famous aren’t immune to chronic illness. A growing number of celebrities have shared their personal battles with Lyme disease, helping to raise awareness and break the stigma around this complex and often invisible illness.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It’s commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick and can cause a wide range of symptoms—fatigue, joint pain, fever, brain fog, and neurological issues. Without proper treatment, it can become a long-term, debilitating condition.

Here are some well-known celebrities with Lyme disease who’ve opened up about their experiences in the spotlight and beyond.

1. Bella Hadid

Supermodel Bella Hadid has lived with Lyme disease since her teenage years. In 2016, she revealed how the illness disrupted her passion for horseback riding and left her battling chronic fatigue, anxiety, bone pain, and brain fog.

In 2023, Bella shared uplifting news: after 15 years of symptoms, she finally began to feel healthy again. Her honesty has helped others feel seen in their own health journeys.

2. Avril Lavigne

Pop-punk icon Avril Lavigne contracted Lyme disease in 2014 and described the experience as feeling like her body was shutting down. Bedridden for months, she later became a powerful voice for Lyme disease awareness.

Through the Avril Lavigne Foundation, she raises funds for people with Lyme and other serious illnesses. Her 2020 virtual concert was a key moment in her advocacy efforts.

3. Shania Twain

Country music legend Shania Twain was bitten by a tick in the early 2000s, which led to Lyme disease and serious vocal issues. During performances, she experienced dizziness and blackouts.

In her Netflix documentary Not Just a Girl, Shania details the long road to diagnosis and how the disease altered her voice. Despite these challenges, she continues to tour and inspire fans worldwide.

4. Yolanda Hadid

Reality TV star and former model Yolanda Hadid—Bella Hadid’s mother—has also faced a difficult battle with chronic Lyme disease. She’s been candid about how the disease affected her physically and emotionally, especially while filming The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Yolanda is now a leading voice for Lyme disease awareness, advocating for more research and support for patients worldwide.

5. Justin Bieber

In 2020, pop star Justin Bieber revealed on Instagram that he had been diagnosed with Lyme disease after years of mysterious symptoms. The announcement came after public speculation about his appearance.

Justin’s story sheds light on the silent suffering many Lyme patients endure. Thanks to treatment, he returned to music stronger than ever, releasing chart-topping songs like Peaches and Ghost.

6. Ben Stiller

Comedian and actor Ben Stiller was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2010 after experiencing unexplained swelling in his knee. The diagnosis came after a trip to tick-heavy Nantucket.

Although he’s now symptom-free, Ben admits the bacteria never truly leaves your system. His story is a reminder that Lyme disease can affect anyone—even Hollywood’s funniest stars.

7. Alec Baldwin

Actor Alec Baldwin has endured multiple battles with Lyme disease. After being bitten in the Hamptons, he experienced such severe symptoms that he feared for his life.

“I remember lying in bed thinking, ‘I’m going to die of Lyme disease,’” Baldwin said in an interview. His recovery has made him passionate about speaking out on the seriousness of this often-overlooked illness.

8. Amy Schumer

Comedian Amy Schumer took to Instagram in 2020 to reveal her Lyme diagnosis in typical Amy fashion—through humor. She joked, “Anyone get LYME this summer? I got it and I’m on doxycycline.”

But beneath the jokes, Amy shared real struggles and sought advice from her followers. Her openness helped normalize conversations about chronic illness and recovery.

9. Debbie Gibson

Pop singer Debbie Gibson endured years of misdiagnoses before discovering she had Lyme disease. She suffered from nerve pain, weight loss, and chronic fatigue.

Despite the setbacks, Debbie returned to the spotlight, releasing new music and touring again. Today, she’s committed to raising awareness and encouraging early detection.

10. Kelly Osbourne

TV star Kelly Osbourne believes she got Lyme disease at her dad Ozzy Osbourne’s birthday party. Like many, her symptoms were confusing and initially dismissed.

After a long search for answers, Kelly began the right treatments, which included medication and lifestyle changes. She now urges others to trust their instincts and be persistent when something feels wrong.

11. George W. Bush

Former U.S. President George W. Bush was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2006 while still in office. Thankfully, it was caught early and treated quickly.

His case is a powerful reminder: Lyme disease doesn’t care who you are—it can affect anyone, anywhere. Early diagnosis is crucial.

Final Thoughts: Lyme Disease Doesn’t Discriminate

These celebrities with Lyme disease prove that fame and fortune don’t offer protection from tick-borne illness. Whether it’s the physical toll, emotional strain, or long road to diagnosis, their stories highlight the importance of awareness, education, and compassion.

If you’ve been in tick-prone areas and experience symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or joint pain, don’t brush it off. Check for ticks, listen to your body, and seek medical advice early.